Most of us remember a favorite teacher from school. Later, some of us are fortunate to get a great boss to mentor us as we start our career. As we grow older, the lucky few find a wise counselor we can talk with and rely on. I've been luckier than most, because I met Susan McLain when I was a young man.

For three years she was my favorite teacher at Glencoe High School. After college I spent two more years learning from her as an Assistant Speech and Debate Coach. Since then, I've been truly fortunate to call her my friend.

Susan is an award-winning high school teacher and speech and debate coach at Glencoe High School. She just celebrated graduation with her last class of seniors. After more than four decades of teaching in Oregon schools, she is retiring. As one of the hardest-working people I've ever met, it's no surprise to me that Susan is closing out her teaching career with significant accomplishments under her belt.

She balanced teaching, raising a family, and serving for 16 years as an elected Metro regional government council member. She is a recipient of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce's Crystal Apple Award for Excellence in Education. She has won numerous awards from the National Forensics League.

Last week, she took one final trip to the National Speech and Debate Tournament with a student, capping off her long tradition of investing in her students' success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Over the last 20-plus years, I've learned a lot from Susan, but the most important lessons didn't come in the classroom or on the job. I've watched Susan with her family, her colleagues and her friends. I've seen her in times of joy and sorrow, success and failure. Throughout it all she has been an incredible example of intelligence, caring, thoughtfulness and perseverance.

View full sizeSusan McLain, back row middle, joins her former student Sam Heiney, his wife Diane Cady, daughter Maggie and son Ben. Courtesy of Sam Heiney

Washington County has been good to me. I've lived most of my life in Hillsboro and am happy to be raising my family less than a mile from the house where I grew up. When I reflect on what this community has done for me – my education, my first job, great neighbors and friends – there is one name that stands out from the rest and it's Susan McLain. I am honored to have known Susan as a teacher, mentor, and friend; I can't wait to see the great work she's going to do for our community even after she retires.

Sam Heiney, a member of the Glencoe High School class of 1991, lives in Hillsboro.